Brian Tough Q.G.M

Nick McCarthy

Mark "NOG" Gorman

Graeme Kerr Q.C.B

Brian Tough

A former bodyguard to Director Special Forces, Sheikh Yamani, Princess Caroline of Monaco, King Hussain of Jordan and other high profile individuals. A former Special Forces Instructor in Close Quarter Battle (C.Q.B), Surveillance, Close Protection Training and Counter Terrorism. 35 years of experience working at the very highest levels in the security industry.

Nick McCarthy

A former Parachute Regiment Soldier with a variety of operational deployments behind him. On leaving the army Nick became a Security Consultant on a major Diamond Mining Project in Sierra Leone, West Africa and then a Close Protection Officer within the U.K. and the European Union.

Mark "NOG" Gorman

Mark served for 22 years in the Army with Airborne Forces and after specialising in primary care and trauma medicine, spent the last six years of his Army career as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner. Whilst in this role, Mark has gained experience in places such as Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Iraq as well as military and NHS hospitals in the UK. Since leaving Armed Forces, Mark has taught on many and various First Aid courses both nationwide and abroad.

Graeme Kerr Q.C.B

A former member of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) Group, Graeme has become a Personal Protection Officer for an International Risk Management Company working with multi service teams involved in highly sensitive security operations. A broad range of surveillance and security consultancy experience gained while with UKSF, working covertly with other Government Security Services within the U.K. on counter terrorist operations.

...a recognised ELCAS provider.

...an outstanding specialist security training provider.

...specialists in close protection services.

Argus Europe are an ELCAS provider:

About Argus Europe

Argus Europe Limited was established in 1992 by Managing Director Brian Tough Q.G.M. a former Special Forces Soldier and Bodyguard to many high profile individuals including the former Director of Special Forces, General Sir Peter de la Billière, KCB, KBE, DSO, MC & Bar . Argus Europe has been providing specialist training for high-net worth clients and their families since the mid 1990’s. Argus Europe is an operational company working globally with an extensive variety of contacts. We only deliver courses where we feel we have exceptional operational experience. We have core strengths and we deliver along those lines and we operate in those areas. We have almost 40 years operational experience, and have trained many of the current training providers.

Argus Europe are an ELCAS Provider

Argus Europe specialises in Close Protection and Close Protection Training. Our qualified professionals lead training courses in a variety of specialties, including Close Protection Training, Advanced Surveillance Training and Private Investigator Training. All of our training courses are level 3 and include all the skills you need to be an effective operative in your chosen area of the Security Industry.

A variety of courses

Students can choose from a variety of classes, including Close Protection Training Courses, Private Investigator Training, HABC Level 3 First Aid Response Courses and Advanced Surveillance Training Courses. Each of the courses is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at each type of security training so they will be fully equipped physically and mentally to handle their specialty area.

Assistance now and in the future

Argus Europe is the only Training Provider offering a post course networking group that provides almost daily employment opportunities. It is comprised of a network of professional operators who are ready to assist present and past students throughout their career. It was setup to provide assistance to students in any stage of their learning to find the answers they need to be able to perform their jobs in a professional manner.

Once you pass one of our courses access to the Argus Group is granted, opportunities posted on our group have seen many of our former students secure long term contracts conducting Close Protection and Surveillance and this can be proven!

The Argus Ethos

We know only too well that becoming qualified is one thing but that gaining on-going employment and experience is entirely another; we have been there ourselves. During our courses we cover much more than just the practical skills that are required, we cover the next step, the step beyond that and in to the distance. We also provide a network for all of our students in the Argus Group.

Those of you who are service leavers will lose a large part of your network when you leave the armed forces. You may well remain in touch with some of your better mates, there may well be an online group for your particular arm or corps but it is unlikely that they will offer you that 1:1 support that is required, especially during your first forays into the circuit.

There are other areas where you can turn to for help such as the online networking portals for the masses and these are in some cases worth a look but they are not and never will be a close knit professional network that you can turn to as you progress in your career.

The Argus Group has been in existence in various forms since 1992 and is a thriving network of professional, dedicated operators that is open to all Argus Students past and present. It offers you somewhere to turn to when you need advice, an area where you will not be laughed at for asking what the ‘keyboard warriors’ that proliferate the internet seem to think is a stupid question. if you do not know, or you are unsure, then you must be able to ask.

The Argus Group will make the time and the effort to answer your questions and in a professional and courteous manner. You will not be left to struggle. You will not be ridiculed. You will be supported. You will have a network.

Courses

Close Protection | Level 3

With close to 40 years spent operating in the fields that we now train in we feel that we are in an excellent position to provide the next generation of operatives with specialist security skills. This industry can be extremely demanding and the training has to reflect that; we are well aware that close protection training isn’t for the faint hearted! In fact students enrolling on our close protection training courses need to match brains with brawn to prosper in the classroom, during practical assessments and in the field post-study. Our course is all about reality training, mixing practical exercises with in depth planning.

Surveillance | Level 3

Our Managing Director has carried out surveillance operations at the highest levels for many years for HMG and then carved out a successful career on the commercial circuit as have the assistant instructors. If you are coming from a Military or Police background you will need to adapt to be successful on the commercial circuit but the course is designed to replicate commercial realities. If you have never served in the armed forces or police then do not take this as a barrier to entry as it is not. Most of those that have served have never carried out any commercially relevant surveillance training themselves.

HABC First Aid Response | Level 3

The HABC Level 3 First Aid Response is a significant step up from the First Aid at Work award that is the level that all SIA Close Protection Officers should be aiming for. HABC Level 3 First Aid Response is not a basic qualification, it is qualification that introduces the responder to patient care and observations. It is the qualification accepted by community response schemes and is in use by blue light responders on 999 calls.

Private Investigator | Level 3

Many people work across the various disciplines within the security industry and Private Investigation services is most definitely a growth area. With the economy still in bad shape many companies are looking at more and more ways to cut out their losses as well as increasing their profit, anything to make the bottom line better during these challenging times.

This is your future and your money! You should be asking your training provider certain questions prior to booking your place on any course. Think long and hard about this decision, it will be one of the most important decisions that you make concerning your future.

Who are the instructors, what are their backgrounds, have they operated in a hostile environments worldwide and not just the UK? Are any of the instructors from a SF background?

What percentage of the training is out of the classroom (or is it unrealistic training by PowerPoint to save costs).

How many training vehicles have they? Are the vehicles fleet insured for training. If you are asked to provide your own car for the training then your insurance will probably not cover you.

Have they comprehensive insurance for the training itself? Ask for proof!

Do you get the HABC Level 3 First Aid Response qualification as part of the package. You NEED this in order to apply for your SIA CP Badge. You will leave the Argus Europe course with a complete portfolio of qualifications: HABC Level 3 First Aid Response, Close Protection Level 3, Advanced Surveillance Level 3 & Private Investigation Level 3.

Have they genuine testimonials on their site from people who you can get in touch with to ask questions about the training. DO they have employment opportunities?

Most importantly, do they offer post course support and an employment forum for all students?

If these standards are not met then you may end up in a classroom 8 – 12 hours a day writing essays watching PowerPoints and not receiving reality training purely to cut costs.

The Old Brewery, Castle Eden, County Durham, TS27 4SU

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Latest Testimonials

Dec 2017, Surveillance, Private Investigation, Close Protection
I really enjoyed the course, especially the surveillance phase. I felt like the knowledge of the instructors made it easier to understand all aspects of the course.

– Arron Jordon

arronjordan119 [at] gmail.com

Fully enjoyable, testing course ran by professionals. I would recommend them to anyone seeking a Close Protection course for quality and value for money.

– Rob Faulkner

robertmfaulkner[at]live.co.uk

I thought the knowledge and approachability of the instructors was excellent as were the exercise scenarios.

Dec 2017, Surveillance, Private Investigation, Close Protection
The course was brilliant, learnt lots and already I can see that the post course support is very good!

– Jonathan Scholick

jonny.scholick [at] gmail.com

Excellent course, highly recommend.

– Stephen Lewis

March 2018 Close Protection/Surveillance/Private Investigation/First Aid

Excellent course, great fun, instructors were very informative!

– Sam James

sam00 [at] outlook.com

Jan 2018, Surveillance/Private Investigation/Close Protection
Great stuff, thoroughly enjoyable experience. Great team. A shame I have to go back to the real world!

– Paul Hope

hopenfold [at] icloud.com

March Close Protection/Surveillance/Private Investigation/First Aid

I enjoyed every day of the course. I learned a lot and would recommend this course to anyone interested in Close protection and Surveillance!

– Becky Cole

beckyhilluk24 [at] yahoo.co.uk

March 2018 Close Protection/Surveillance/Private Investigation/First Aid

Brillian course, all instructors were great and had lots of experience. I found every stage beneficial and well ran. I will recommend this course to others.

– Glen Marshall

glenmarshall [at] rocketmail.com

Excellent course, well structured and straight to the point. Highly recommend.

– Michael Foster

The course has been great, both instructors and modules have been challenging and fun as well as educating.

– Christopher Oltnas

christopher.oltnaes [at] gmail.com

Very good course from start to finish. I learned a lot from the instructors.

– Michelle de Garis

The course was excellent - a wealth of knowledge was passed on by the instructors. They were friendly and helpful.

– Jon Hinson

jonathanhinson2017 [at] gmail [dot] com

Excellent course. I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve learned and how much the instructors know about the subjects.

– Elon Nilsson

e-son [at] live.se

March 2018 Close Protection/Surveillance/Private Investigation/First Aid

I had an excellent time and got to know some new friends. I will recommend the course to others.

– Ferdinand Seton

ferdinand [at] it-returen.se

The build up from start to finish was excellent. Really good instruction and help when required.

– Kaj Olausson

March 2018, Surveillance & Private Investigation

Great course, knowledgeable team.

– Chris Maguire

chriserd [at] outlook.com

A way forward towards a new path in life - very enjoyable.

– Adam Vitri

March 2018 Close Protection/Surveillance/Private Investigation/First Aid

The course instructors have a vast amount of knowledge and experience in every aspect of close protection and surveillance. Personal experiences combined with the equipment made available to us really brings the course to life. The tuition and understanding gained from this course are skills I will retain for life.

– Wesley Gardener

snipes2.0 [at] hotmail.com

A very good course with highly verified instructors.

– Marcus Holm

marcus-holm [at] live.com

Dec 2017, Surveillance/Private Investigation/Close Protection
I would fully recommend this course and Argus to anyone wishing to work as a CPO.

– David Mcfarlane

davie37 [at] mail.co.uk

The course came highly recommended and having completed the courses I can vouch for this. This is, without a doubt, the course to do if you aspire to progress in the close protection and surveillance industry.